Social media pictures show effect Omaha officer’s death had on community

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OMAHA, Neb. — It has been three days since the funeral of Omaha police officer Kerrie Orozco, 29, who was killed in a shootout last Wednesday; but a photo continues to make the rounds on social media, perpetuating her memory and honor.

It shows construction workers pulling off their hard hats and putting them to their hearts, as the funeral procession went by on Tuesday.

“This matter isn’t about me or him, or us taking a knee, putting our hard hats on our heart, it’s just what we wanted to do. It’s about the young lady – she’s the one that lost her life,” said Ian Schoenberger, one of the construction workers who spoke to WOWT.com.

Despite the rain on Tuesday in Omaha, the crowd grew steadily as the day went on. People in blue lined the path from the viaduct then east as far as you could see, wearing signs and shirts saying ‘You are a hero’, ‘#Kerrieon’, and ‘#HeroesLiveForever’.

People listened to the service on their radios and watched on their cell phones.

Orozco was set to take maternity leave when she was killed. Her daughter was born premature and Orozco delayed her leave until her baby was ready to go home.

The man Orozco was pursuing was later identified as Marcus Wheeler, a convicted felon and known gang member. He also died after being hit be gunfire.

She is survived by her husband, two stepchildren, and newborn baby girl.